Somatic Release

One thing I have been learning recently is that our past hurts seem to resurface once we start to feel safe again. This was not something that I was expecting, I had already had a years therapy relating to my trauma and although I know that trauma never fully goes away , we can develop strategies that can help us cope and experience kindness and compassion for ourselves. But if situations in our life change, and this change for me has been a good one, where I finally feel safe, a new healing resurfaces , called 'somatic release'. When the nervous system no longer needs to stay in high alert 'survival mode', it often discharges stored , suppressed emotions and memories , leading to intense feelings , flashbacks and exhaustion.

Its about feeling safe enough to be vulnerable and allowing these feelings to rise to the surface, however uncomfortable they might feel. You might experience traumatic dreams, be tempted to dissociate or run away from the good things in your life because it becomes uncomfortable to feel safe.

I wanted to share somethings that help when you experiencing these feelings, grounding techniques - having a cold drink / something icy /5,4,3,2,1 grounding method ( 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell. 1 thing you can taste. ) Sitting with these feelings can be extremely uncomfortable , try and do this for short periods of time then focus on other things if you can .

Remember these feelings are normal , something that you do have to push through to get to the other side.

Allow yourself time to rest - after being in survival mode for a long time your body needs to recover. Eat well, drink water , take vitamins that help and move your body . Try and get up at the same time every day and show up for yourself ( in my case I use dopamine dressing and experiment with make up looks ).

Connecting with friends is so important and has been so helpful for me to talk through how I'm feeling.

Speaking to a mental health professional is important , especially when intense emotions rise up. If you are neurodivergent then its important to find a neurodivergent affirming therapist.

I hope this helps, please reach out if this subject resonates with you .

Much love,,

Andrea